Summary of an article Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Summary of an article - Essay Example Therefore it is no more a rare occasion for the hospitals to encounter the patients whose money is tight. In facts, according to the survey conducted by the American Hospital Association as early as in November 2008, 50 per cent of their members are facing the considerable increase of the number of patients who are willing to save money and switch onto cheaper health insurance schemes. Certainly the situation must be aggravated even more now that the national unemployment rate has increased 8 per cent. However, doctors – and this is a no surprise – have humane feelings, and are willing to help their patients in need. During this turbulent times, they are concerned not only about the state of their patients’ bodies and minds but also about the wellbeing of their purse or banking account. Some doctors, like, for example, Dr. Moritz whose advice to the patients has been quoted in the article, ask their long-term patients whether they are still employed first thing during the appointment. If the answer is no, then doctors assure them that their medical bills can be negotiated. How? First thing to remember is – doctors and hospitals are used to negotiating, as they have to do it themselves with the insuring companies. The cost of every single medical procedure may differ depending on which insurer the hospital does it for. Therefore, a patient’s wanting a discount will hardly get hospital’s accounting department shocked. What are the pieces of advice to those struggling to reduce their medical bills? When talking to doctors, take into account the following: speak up if you need help – as doctors will always help on this occasion. It is better to say blatantly about your financial difficulties, and you are most likely to get a good price break. As there is a very widespread problem with unpaid bills that causes hospitals to lose thousands of dollars annually, your offer to pay them cash upfront will make them happy,